TN 19 (03-93)

A. Definition of GEP

A GEP is the first calendar quarter of each year (January through March).

B. Policy

1. GEP enrollment

The person who fails to enroll during his IEP, or refuses automatic enrollment, may enroll only during the GEP.

The person whose SMI has ended because of non-payment of premiums or voluntary withdrawal from SMI, may reenroll only during the GEP.

EXCEPTION: For a person who becomes eligible for SMI and does not lose that eligibility, the only time enrollment after the IEP need not occur in a GEP is where the individual meets the requirements for an SEP, as described in HI 00805.265ff.

2. Extension of GEP

When the GEP ends on a day which is a non-workday (e.g., Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday, etc.), an eligible individual may enroll on the first regular workday after the end of the GEP.

3. When SMI will begin

SMI entitlement based on a GEP enrollment always begins July 1 of the year during which the GEP enrollment takes place.

4. Inquiry late in GEP

Individuals who inquire by telephone about enrollment shortly before a GEP expires should be told to make their request for SMI enrollment on a letter or postcard and immediately mail it to the FO, if they are unable to visit the FO before the end of the GEP.